Wreaths Across America To Stop in Arlington National Cemetery

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - What began as a simple gesture by a wreath maker who shipped excess wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington two decades ago continues to grow.

A convoy of trucks departs Sunday from Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington with wreaths to be delivered to hundreds of locations. Arlington will get the most, roughly 100,000 balsam wreaths with red bows that will adorn headstones this holiday season.

It started when Morrill Worcester found himself with 5,000 wreaths that he couldn't bring to market. With the help of Sen. Olympia Snowe, he had them delivered to Arlington.

It's evolved into a broader effort called Wreaths Across America. The nonprofit says 406,000 wreaths are being shipped to more than 800 locations. A ceremony in Arlington is set for Dec. 15.